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“Of course I consider the value of Liverpool. I know their qualities, and I’m concerned about what they do.

“But if you’re thinking we are going to defend for 90 minutes and counter attack - that is not going to happen.

“We cannot deny both teams try to play. We are the teams that have scored more goals in the Premier League by far.

“I think Jurgen Klopp’s teams are honest teams. They respect what football means. Try to attack and we are going to try too.

“I am sure tomorrow is going to be a good game.”

They are bold words - and precisely what the neutral wants to hear - especially after Klopp told his players to have the ‘balls’ to attack the champions-elect.

Even Kevin de Bruyne described City’s January defeat as “beautiful.”

Guardiola has vowed to go on the attack

It is evidence of the mindset of Guardiola’s players. A fearlessness when it comes to failure.

But even the Catalan admits he wants to instil in his players the type of mental resolve that makes Barcelona and Real Madrid serial winners on Europe’s grandest stage.

“We cannot forget it’s 180 minutes,” he added. “What I admire the most about the important teams - and it is something we were not able to do in this situation last season - is in the bad moments they are calm.

“Madrid, Barcelona, when the opponents are attacking, they look like they are taking a cup of coffee because their chance is coming.

“And when it comes they know they are not going to miss - that’s the big dfiference.”

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Guardiola admitted his players had been intimidated by the famous Anfield atmosphere in January - and the volume is only likely to be amplified on a European night.

But a veteran Barcelona and Real Madrid clashes, he is adamant his team won’t freeze.

“People suggest what’s going to happen, but still I haven’t experienced it,” he said. “I said to the players, ‘People think how tough it is going to be, but in Barcelona it’s the same - Bayern Munich, Madrid, Sevilla.

“In the quarter finals, it is a mountain. It depends if you are able to overcome this situation, knowing the opponent is one of the toughest in the world.”